Hakkas World Scenic Area
Ketianxia Scenic Area, located in Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, stands as China’s inaugural cultural-ecological tourism park and a UNESCO-backed reserve. Spanning 20 square kilometers, it integrates Hakka heritage, subtropical ecology, and modern leisure facilities. Designated a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, it showcases Hakka wisdom through ancient architecture, folk art, and ecological preservation. Key features include the Hakka Circular House, Thousand Buddha Pagoda, and Asia’s longest glass-bottomed bridge.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 2006 under the Guangdong Hongyi Group, aiming to revive Hakka culture. In 2010, the park officially opened, becoming a national model for cultural tourism. In 2011, it earned AAAA status, followed by UNESCO recognition for its ecological practices. The site preserves Hakka migration history through murals and relics, while modern developments like the International Wedding Plaza (2015) and Venice-style water town (2018) expanded its appeal.
Structural Layout
The area comprises five zones and ten cultural projects:
- Cultural Core Zone: Hakka Town, Hakka Ancestral Hall, and Hakka Migration Mural (100-meter bas-relief).
- Ecological Adventure Zone: Glass Bridge, Jungle Flyover, and Saint Mountain Lake.
- Leisure Resort Zone: International Wedding Plaza, Venice Water Town, and Happy Town Amusement Park.
- Educational Zone: Hakka Museum, Calligraphy Plaza, and Eco-Farm.
- Spiritual Zone: Thousand Buddha Pagoda, Sacred Valley, and Meditation Gardens.
Key landmarks include the Hakka Circular House (UNESCO-listed architectural marvel) and Saint Mountain Lake (a crater-like basin formed 200 million years ago).
Major Attractions
- Hakka Town: A replica of ancient Hakka villages, featuring stone-paved streets, ancestral halls, and traditional tea houses.
- Glass Bridge: Asia’s longest (280m) glass-bottomed bridge, offering views of Saint Mountain Lake.
- Thousand Buddha Pagoda: A 9-story pagoda housing 1,000 jade Buddha statues, built in 1991 to protect a 1,000-year-old iron pagoda.
- Hakka Migration Mural: A 100-meter stone carving depicting Hakka exodus over 1,600 years.
- Venice Water Town: European-style canals lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
- Happy Town Amusement Park: Family-friendly rides, including a 36m-tall ferris wheel and dinosaur-themed park.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Hakka Town → Hakka Ancestral Hall → Glass Bridge → Thousand Buddha Pagoda → Exit
Highlights: Cultural immersion, pagoda views, and bridge thrills. - Adventure Route (5–6 hours):
Add Jungle Flyover, Saint Mountain Lake hike, and Happy Town rides. - Cultural & Ecology Route (Full Day):
Include Hakka Museum guided tour, mural study, and nighttime light show at Venice Water Town.
Ticket Purchase
- Adult Tickets: ¥86 (peak season April–October), ¥68 (off-season).
- Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
- Purchase: Official website (https://www.ketianxia.com/) or WeChat mini-program.
Transportation
- By Car: 15 minutes from Meizhou Airport, 5 minutes from Meizhou Railway Station.
- By High-Speed Rail: Guangzhou South Station → Meizhou Station (2 hours), then taxi (10 mins).
- By Bus: Meizhou City Bus #19 or tourist shuttle to Ketianxia Entrance.
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: spring (March–May) for blooms, autumn (October–November) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for trails and bridge walks.
- Bring sunscreen and a light jacket (mountain weather varies).
- Photography allowed except in sacred zones (pagoda interiors).
- Prohibited Items: Drones, large bags, and outside food.
- Cultural Note: Remove hats in temples; dress modestly for village visits.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
